Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 25-year-old Paris Saint-Germain and Georgia forward, spoke in a video released by the official Ballon d’Or X account about the possibility of winning the award, which will be presented on October 26. Without getting carried away, the Parisian number 7 is already happy to be among the 30 nominees and to receive support.
Kvaratskhelia: “It depends on the people voting”
Is it possible to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or without having played in the World Cup?
I think that’s not up to me. It depends on the people voting. But being among the players in the running is a real pleasure. In life, and in football, I believe anything is possible. That’s why I’m at PSG today. And I’m really proud.
Kvaratskhelia: “It’s a pleasure”
Legends like Platini and Kroos have said you are their favorite?
It’s a pleasure when players like that—legends—say I deserve it. It’s gratifying when someone, even if it’s just one person on Earth, thinks you deserve one of football’s greatest trophies. It means I’m doing my job well, and I just want to keep performing at the same level. We’ll see what life brings. “I am ready for anything.”
As is often the case, Kvaratskhelia remains fairly reserved, focusing above all on fully savoring his current experience at PSG. That is what matters most. However, should he also win the Ballon d’Or, the Georgian would certainly relish the achievement.
He has already received significant support, which is naturally gratifying. It serves as wonderful recognition of his hard work and effort, even though the sweetest rewards remain the team trophies won. While the Parisian forward is likely to rank high, it is hard to say if he can prevail against such stiff competition. Yet, nothing can diminish the pivotal role he played in PSG’s back-to-back Champions League victories.
